Newcastle vs Bournemouth - The big match preview

Newcastle United are back at St James' Park for the first time since that derby defeat, and to say we need a response would be an understatement.

We expected one at Crystal Palace last weekend, especially after a three-week break filled with plenty of self-reflection and work on the training ground, yet we were served up another late collapse.

Another capitulation after taking the lead, more hopeless defending and a dismal result that leaves us 14th. Five points from the European places and with only those fighting relegation below us in the table.

We've lost five of our last six domestic games at St James' Park, and Eddie Howe's Premier League record against Bournemouth is abysmal. But that simply must change if the mood music and rising pressure on Howe is to change on Tyneside this weekend.

Our season isn't over yet, and Howe insists he still has the fire in his belly to turn things around, but things could turn toxic if we don't see signs of a revival on Saturday. 

Who starts? 

Bruno Guimaraes is pushing to return after resuming training, Fabian Schar remains out, and Joelinton begins a two-match ban after picking up his 10th yellow of the campaign last Sunday.

At the back, I think Howe may drop Livramento in favour of Trippier following back-to-back defensive errors and side with Burn's experience over Botman, who cost us with that extra-time pull-back on Lerma at Palace.

In midfield, I'm 40/60 on Bruno starting. I wouldn't be surprised if he's only fit enough for the bench, meaning Ramsey comes into our midfield three, and rightly so after he was harshly dropped last Sunday.

In attack, it's time we got Woltemade back in the No.9 role, and our home record is better with big Nick leading the line. Perhaps this is my preferred front three, rather than what Howe is likely to go with, but I'm backing Nick to return, Gordon to keep his place, and Elanga to replace Murphy after his stinker in South London.

Predicted XI: Ramsdale - Trippier, Thiaw, Burn, Hall - Miley, Tonali, Ramsey - Elanga, Woltemade, Gordon.

Who wins? 

Bournemouth are unbeaten in 11 and have drawn seven in that period, while Howe hasn't got one over his former club in the league since he arrived on Tyneside.

Things can change, of course, and they might have to if we want to keep our faint European hopes alive, but I've got a feeling this will be a score draw with goals at either end.

Hoping for a win to save our season, fearing a disastrous defeat, predicting a share of the spoils.

Prediction: Newcastle 2-2 Bournemouth 

Keep the faith. Howay the lads!